Hervé is a masculine given name of Breton origin. It is derived from the Old Breton word "Heru", which means "strength" or "brave". The name was likely brought to France by the Bretons, who were a Celtic people that migrated to Brittany from what is now Wales and southwestern England.
The name Hervé has been used in France since at least the Middle Ages. It was popular among the nobility and can be found in various forms throughout French history. For example, Hervé de Léon was a Breton lord who lived in the 13th century, while Hervé de Saint-Denys was a French bishop in the 12th century.
In France, the name Hervé is often shortened to "Dédé" or "Hervy", and it can also be found as "Herbert" in other parts of Europe. However, despite its European origins, the name Hervé has remained particularly associated with Brittany and its culture.
Today, Hervé is still a popular given name in France, although it may not be as common as it once was. It is often chosen for its unique sound and its historical significance, as well as its positive meaning of strength and bravery. Overall, the name Hervé is a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking to give their child a name with deep roots in French history and culture.
Statistics on the Name Hervé:
The name Hervé has been given to babies in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity throughout different decades.
From 1911 to 1922, there was a significant increase in births named Hervé, peaking at 25 births in 1921. However, this period also saw some drops, such as the lowest point of 8 births recorded in 1923.
In the following decades, especially from the 1940s to the late 1970s, the name Hervé was given less frequently. During these years, it seemed that parents preferred other names for their children, with only a handful of babies being named Hervé each year.
Interestingly, there was a notable resurgence in the popularity of this name in the 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1980 and 1993, there were years when as many as 18 babies were named Hervé (in 1980), showing that even classic names can experience a revival.
More recently, from 2019 to 2023, the name Hervé has once again seen some attention with around six births recorded each year. This demonstrates that although it may not be one of the most popular choices currently, the name Hervé continues to be selected by parents for their newborns.
In total, over the past century in the United States, there have been 560 babies named Hervé. Despite its fluctuating popularity, this name has maintained a consistent presence among new generations.